Thanksgiving 2016

We hosted Thanksgiving this year at our home and invited 3 families to join us. Every family contributed to the meal, making it not overwhelming. It was a full kitchen, but I wouldn't want it any other way. We loved sharing this holiday with such wonderful friends. We definitely count friendships as one of life's biggest blessing. We're blessed to know incredible people and call them our friends.

Myles enjoyed watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. He sat like this for some time. It made Bryan and I laugh, time to get to work Myles!

Or, just stand there and be handsome.

We made rolls, stuffing, sweet potatoes, turkey and pies (coconut and banana creme)

Luke helped set up and then was off to play with neighbors. Emma stuck around and helped me out in the kitchen.

Bryan smoked the turkey in the Traegger. It was amazing.

"If this turkey tastes half as good as it looks..."

I spy the two littlest at the picnic table.

 We met up again at Kelly and Devin's house that night for pies and games. I appreciated her offering this and thought it worked out great. The ladies even snuck in some holiday shopping that night. Another great Thanksgiving with so much to be thankful for!

S*N*O*W

We received a decent amount of snow and Luke and friends couldn't wait to get out and build snow forts in it. Emma and Myles will go out for just a little while. Well, Myles goes out for 2 minutes-he won't keep his mittens on and then cries because his hands are cold, it's complicated. We follow it up with hot cocoa and even cookies some days.

Emma's Pre-K Program

'Tis the season for Thanksgiving Programs! Emma's class was a little shy, but I was proud of Emma. She sang out the songs and was confident giving her part. We love Mrs. Kristen. I hope that she'll teach for a few more years so Myles can have her, too!

Luke's Thanksgiving Program

At Luke's school, all of the kindergarten classes combined for a true Thanksgiving feast and program. One of the perks of being a room parent is a good seat since I was there early to set up! Bryan didn't think we were close enough. :) Luke, A.K.A. Bear Claw, did a good job with the actions and doing his part. He told me afterward, "That was so embarrassing, mom."

Luke came home with an assignment to disguise the turkey. He came up with the idea of making him a hunter and having it carry a gun. I know, not the most PC, but soooo my child! I may have kept my phone close by in case the school tried to call me the next day. No phone call, but I did receive an email from his teacher telling me that she loved it (turns our her husband and son are avid hunters) and sent a picture of it to her husband. This teacher has been so good for Luke!

FHE Turkeys

We made our thankful turkeys for FHE to remind us of our lesson on gratitude. We also combined a lesson about the first Thanksgiving. Luke helped fill in the gaps in my memory. History was never my strong point! :)

Myles made his own playdoh version of a turkey. 

Primary Program

I found the brightest place I could find and made them smile right into the sun for a picture to document this day. I love the primary program. This year, as I played, I was able to see both my kids in the program (Luke was strategically placed right next to me by the presidency to help encourage good behavior I'm sure). I love playing the piano in primary. I can still remember the songs from when I was in primary. There is power that comes from good music.

Dentist

When it comes to the thought of taking my three kids to the dentist at the same time, I feel like it could be considered a form of torture. I decided to try out a new pediatric dentist, Dr. Purvi Shah (I actually worked with her many years ago at the Children's Hospital in the procedure center). She was incredible with my kids and her staff was great, as well. I'm not getting a discount or anything for writing this :), she was simply that good and I really appreciated it. Luke and Emma keep asking to go back to the dentist---how about in 6 months???